Objective To observe the characteristics of gut microbiota in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)with different traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome types,and to further explore the key microbial communities and functional differences affecting syndrome differentiation.Methods A total of 45 patients who visited the Department of Geriatrics,Hunan Provincial Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine in 2023 were enrolled.These included 15 T2DM patients with qi-yin deficiency and blood stasis syndrome(Group A),15 T2DM patients with qi-yin deficiency syndrome(Group B),and 15 non-diabetic patients from the same period(Group C).Fecal samples were collected,and 16S rRNA sequencing and analysis were performed.Results 1)A total of 1 564 operational taxonomic units(OTUs)were obtained from the three groups of patients,with 224,127,and 351 unique OTUs identified in Groups A,B and C,respectively.2)Both α-and β-diversity analyses indicated differences among the gut microbiota of the three groups.For instance,in the α-diversity analysis,the Sobs index showed significant inter-group differences(P＜0.01).Group A(264.00±88.84)was significantly higher than Group B(145.90±87.0)(P＜0.01),while Group B was significantly lower than Group C(229.7±112.4)(P＜0.05).In the β-diversity analysis,the principal coordinate analysis(PCoA)indicated a clear separation among groups(R=0.1610,P＜0.01).The R values in the Anosim/Adonis analysis ranged from 0.144 to 0.196,and the R2 values ranged from 0.067 to 0.083,all indicating differences in inter-group comparisons(P＜0.01).3)At the phylum level,Firmicutes,Actinobacteriota,and Bacteroidota were predominant in all groups.Among them,Bacteroidota exhibited significant inter-group differences(P＜0.05),with its abundance in Group A being significantly higher than that in Group B(P＜0.01).4)Analysis of differences in microbiota composition,combined with linear discriminant analysis effect size(LEfSe)and Random Forest analysis,revealed that,at the genus level,the microbiota biomarkers between Group A and Group B were Parabacteroides,Bacteroides,g_unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae,Roseburia,and Aspergillus,those between Group B and Group C were Erysipelotrichaceae_UCG-003 and Ruminococcus,and those between Group A and Group C were Parabacteroides,Anaerotruncus,and Oscillibacter.The results were validated by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis,which suggested that the microbiota biomarkers between Group A and Group B(AUC=0.91;95％CI,0.80-1.00),Group B and Group C(AUC=0.84;95％CI,0.69-0.99),Group A and Group C(AUC=0.87;95％CI,0.75-0.99)had good diagnostic efficacy.5)The study identified 116 major pathways with inter-group differences through Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)analysis.For example,the enrichment degree of ABC transporter pathway in Group A(2.58±0.36)was significantly lower than those in Group B(2.90±0.48)and Group C(3.11±0.66)(P＜0.05).These pathways were associated with metabolism and environmental information processing.g.Conclusion The differences in the gut microbiota characteristics and functions among patients with specific TCM syndromes of T2DM may provide references for TCM syndrome differentiation and therapeutic mechanisms.

Objective:To establish the reference intervals (RIs) of systemic immune inflammatory index (SII), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) and monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR) in healthy pregnant women in Henan province, China.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of the healthy pregnant women without a history of adverse pregnancy events who participated in health check-ups from August 2016 to February 2019. A total of 4 016 healthy pregnant women were selected for establishing RIs. Data from healthy adult control group were derived from the healthy adult cohort in Henan established earlier by our team, and the Propensity Score Matching analysis was used and 3 595 healthy adult women and 3 595 healthy pregnant women to compare the indicators between the two groups. The RIs of the above indicators were established using the indirect method with a 95% confidence interval. The Tukey Rule was used to identify and remove outliers. The RIs were stratified and grouped based on the differences in each indicator during the pregnancy: SII: 3 929 cases, including 712 in the first trimester, 1 947 in the second trimester, and 1, 270 in the third trimester; PLR: 3 927 cases, no grouping; NLR: 3 925 cases, including 712 in the first trimester and 3 213 in the second and third trimesters; LMR: 3 925 cases, including 723 in the first trimester, 1 942 in the second trimester, and 1 260 in the third trimester; MLR: 3 904 cases, including 721 in the first trimester, 1 928 in the second trimester, and 1 255 in the third trimester. After the RIs were established, another 396 healthy pregnant women without a history of adverse pregnancy events who participated in health check-ups from February to April 2019 were selected for the validation of the RIs.Results:SII, NLR, LMR, MLR, and PLR differ significantly between healthy adult women and healthy pregnant women. There were significant differences in SII, LMR, and MLR among the three trimesters ( P<0.05). NLR in the first trimester was significantly lower than that in the second and third trimesters ( P<0.05), while there was no significant difference between the second and third trimester ( P=0.124). PLR only showed significant differences between the second and third trimester ( P<0.05), while no significant differences were found among the other groups. Based on the above results, the stratified RIs of each index in healthy pregnant population were established and verified. SII: first trimester (341-1 426)×10 9/L, second trimester (437-1 680)×10 9/L, third trimester (379-1 580)×10 9/L; PLR: 73-215; NLR: first trimester 1.78-5.60, second and third trimester 2.21-6.74; LMR: first trimester 2.20-6.61, second trimester 1.85-5.42, third trimester 1.63-4.82; MLR: first trimester 0.14-0.42, second trimester 0.17-0.49, third trimester 0.18-0.55. The rejection rate of 396 cases was less than 10%. Conclusions:The RIs of SII, NLR, LMR, MLR and PLR for healthy pregnant women in Hernan province of China were established and validated, and4 could be used in clinical practice.

Objective:To establish the reference intervals (RIs) of systemic immune inflammatory index (SII), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) and monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR) in healthy pregnant women in Henan province, China.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of the healthy pregnant women without a history of adverse pregnancy events who participated in health check-ups from August 2016 to February 2019. A total of 4 016 healthy pregnant women were selected for establishing RIs. Data from healthy adult control group were derived from the healthy adult cohort in Henan established earlier by our team, and the Propensity Score Matching analysis was used and 3 595 healthy adult women and 3 595 healthy pregnant women to compare the indicators between the two groups. The RIs of the above indicators were established using the indirect method with a 95% confidence interval. The Tukey Rule was used to identify and remove outliers. The RIs were stratified and grouped based on the differences in each indicator during the pregnancy: SII: 3 929 cases, including 712 in the first trimester, 1 947 in the second trimester, and 1, 270 in the third trimester; PLR: 3 927 cases, no grouping; NLR: 3 925 cases, including 712 in the first trimester and 3 213 in the second and third trimesters; LMR: 3 925 cases, including 723 in the first trimester, 1 942 in the second trimester, and 1 260 in the third trimester; MLR: 3 904 cases, including 721 in the first trimester, 1 928 in the second trimester, and 1 255 in the third trimester. After the RIs were established, another 396 healthy pregnant women without a history of adverse pregnancy events who participated in health check-ups from February to April 2019 were selected for the validation of the RIs.Results:SII, NLR, LMR, MLR, and PLR differ significantly between healthy adult women and healthy pregnant women. There were significant differences in SII, LMR, and MLR among the three trimesters ( P<0.05). NLR in the first trimester was significantly lower than that in the second and third trimesters ( P<0.05), while there was no significant difference between the second and third trimester ( P=0.124). PLR only showed significant differences between the second and third trimester ( P<0.05), while no significant differences were found among the other groups. Based on the above results, the stratified RIs of each index in healthy pregnant population were established and verified. SII: first trimester (341-1 426)×10 9/L, second trimester (437-1 680)×10 9/L, third trimester (379-1 580)×10 9/L; PLR: 73-215; NLR: first trimester 1.78-5.60, second and third trimester 2.21-6.74; LMR: first trimester 2.20-6.61, second trimester 1.85-5.42, third trimester 1.63-4.82; MLR: first trimester 0.14-0.42, second trimester 0.17-0.49, third trimester 0.18-0.55. The rejection rate of 396 cases was less than 10%. Conclusions:The RIs of SII, NLR, LMR, MLR and PLR for healthy pregnant women in Hernan province of China were established and validated, and4 could be used in clinical practice.

Objective:To investigate the relationship of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number with clinicopathologic characteristics and its influence on the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients.Methods:The retrospective case-control study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 71 HCC patients undergoing surgical treatment in the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital of Naval Medical University from March to June 2011 were collected. There were 61 males and 10 females, aged from 26 to 80 years, with a median age of 55 years. The mtDNA copy number of tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues were measured for all patients. Observation indicators: (1) the mtDNA copy number of tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues and relationship between the mtDNA copy number and clinicopathological characteristics of HCC patients; (2) follow-up; (3) related factors for the prognosis of HCC patients. Follow-up using outpatient examination or telephone interview was conducted to detect postoperative survival of patients up to September 2019. Measurement data with normal distribution were described as Mean± SD, and comparison between groups was analyzed using independent samples t test or the matched samples t test. Measurement data with skewed distribution were described as M(range). Count data were represented as absolute numbers, and comparison between groups was analyzed using the chi-square test or Fisher exact probability. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted using the COX regressional model. Variables with P<0.10 in the univariate analysis were included for the multivariate analysis. Survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and Log-rank test was used for survival analysis. Results:(1) The mtDNA copy number of tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues and relationship between the mtDNA copy number and clinicopathological characteristics of HCC patients: of 71 HCC patients, the mtDNA copy number was 0.85±0.08 in tumor tissues, versus 1.16±0.08 in adjacent normal tissues, showing a significant difference between them ( t=2.96, P<0.05). Of 71 HCC patients, 48 cases were mtDNA-low and 23 cases were mtDNA-high. Cases with tumor capsule as integrity or not-integrity, cases with or without microvascular (MVI) in mtDNA-low and mtDNA-high patients were 20, 28, 21, 27 and 16, 7, 4, 19, respectively, showing significant differences ( χ2=4.84, 4.74, P<0.05). (2) Follow-up: 71 patients were followed up for 2.1 to 85.3 months, with a median follow-up time of 47.8 months. The 1-, 3-, 5-year overall survival rates of 71 HCC patients were 87.3%, 64.7, 37.4%, respectively. Moreover, the 1-, 3-, 5-year overall survival rates were 81.2%, 50.0%, 29.2% of the mtDNA-low patients, versus 95.7%, 86.5%, 54.7% of the mtDNA-high patients, showing a significant difference between the two groups ( χ2=5.86, P<0.05). (3) Related factors for the prognosis of HCC patients. Results of univariate analysis showed that the number of tumor, portal vein tumor thrombus, MVI, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage, mtDNA copy number were related factors for the prognosis of HCC patients ( hazard ratios=2.211, 2.911, 3.899, 3.587, 0.440, 95% confidence intervals as 1.024?4.777, 1.485?5.704, 2.115?7.186, 1.615?7.966, 0.223?0.871, P<0.05). Results of multivariate analysis showed that MVI and mtDNA copy number were independent influencing factors for the prognosis of HCC patients ( hazard ratios=2.754, 0.437, 95% confidence intervals as 1.374?5.521, 0.205?0.932, P<0.05). Conclusions:The mtDNA copy number of HCC patients is related with tumor capsule and MVI. The mtDNA copy number and MVI are independent influencing factors for the prognosis of HCC patients.

Objective:To study the relationship between atrophy of the thymus and disease severity in EAE.Methods:MOG35-55 peptide induced EAE in C57BL/6 mice and analyzed the relationship between the severity of EAE and thymic atrophy,Flow cytometry analysis was used to evaluate thymic CD4+CD8+DP cells,CD4+CD8-,CD4-CD8+SP cells in relation to the severity of the disease.Results:The number of thymocytes in mice with decreased tail tone was (20.25 ±3.49) ×106 ,hindlimb weakness(4.93 ± 0.85)×106,complete hindlimb paralysis(1.8 ±0.19) ×106,and forelimb and hindlimb paralysis(0.52 ±0.07) ×106,there were statistically significant differences between groups ( P<0.05 ).As the disease progresses, CD4+CD8+DP cells ratio decreased, CD4+CD8-,CD4-CD8+SP cell ratio increased,different disease groups was statistically significant difference (P<0.05).Conclusion: The atrophy of thymus was closely related to the severity of EAE.Migration of activated T cells in EAE may cause atrophy of thymus.

OBJECTIVE:To explore the protective effect of L-ornithine-L-aspartate on ischemia-reperfusion injury after partial hepatectomy. METHODS:104 patients underwent partial hepatectomy(vessel occlusion in portal fissure)were randomly divided in-to control group(53 cases)and trial group(51 cases). Control group was given routine liver-protective drugs,and trial group was additionally given L-ornithine-L-aspartate 10 g added into 5%Glucose injection 250 ml intravenously before surgery,for 7 consecu-tive days. The fasting peripheral venous blood was collected in 2 groups on first day before surgery and first,forth and sixth day af-ter surgery to detect liver function;the changes of main aminopherase index(ALT and AST)were compared between 2 groups at different portal fissure vessel occlusion time after surgery. RESULTS:There was no statistical significance in the difference of liver resection range,blood loss,first porta hepatis vessel occlusion time and anesthesia time in both groups during operation (P>0.05). Compared to before surgery,liver function indexes raised to different extent in 2 groups after surgery,with statistical signifi-cance(P<0.05). The levels of AST and ALT in trial group were significantly lower than in control group on first,forth and sixth day after surgery,while albumin level was significantly higher than control group,with statistical significance(P<0.05). Total bili-rubin levels of both groups were approximate basically,there was no statistical significance(P>0.05). Among those patients under-went porta hepatis vessel occlusion with Pringle method and with occlude occlusion time ≥15 min,the AST and ALT level of con-trol group was higher than those of trial group after surgery,but albumin level was below trial group,with statistical significance (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS:L-ornithine-L-aspartate could improve liver function fast and effectively for partial hepatectomy pa-tients,especially for the patients underwent porta hepatic vessel occlusion with Pringle method for a long time(obvious ischemia-re-perfusion injury).

Latrodectus tredecimguttatus (commonly known as black widow spiders) have toxins not only in their venom glands, but also in other parts of their body, in their eggs and even in the newborn spiderlings. The study on the toxins in venom and materials outside the venom glands of the spiders to elucidate their differences and similarities, evolutional relationship and biological functions is of important theoretical and applicable significance. The development of modern protein chemistry and proteomics techniques has provided efficient means for the study of protein and peptide toxins of L. tredecimguttatus. By using such techniques, the molecular base and action mechanism of the toxins can be revealed at the levels of both single purified proteins and omics. Up to now, although protein chemistry and proteomics study on L. tredecimguttatus toxins have achieved a certain progress, the relevant work particularly that on the toxins in the materials outside the venom glands has to be further deepened.
Animals ; Arthropod Proteins ; chemistry ; Black Widow Spider ; chemistry ; Proteomics ; Venoms ; chemistry

The low abundance and highly hydrophobic nature of most membrane proteins make their analysis more difficult than that for common soluble proteins. Successful membrane protein identification is largely dependent on the sample preparation including the enrichment and dissolution of the membrane proteins. A series of conventional and newly developed methods has been applied to the enrichment of low-abundance membrane proteins at membrane and/or protein levels and to the dissolution of hydrophobic membrane proteins. However, all the existing methods have inherent advantages and limitations. Up to now, there has been no unique method that can universally be employed to solve all the problems and more efforts are needed in improving sample preparation for the analysis of membrane proteomes.
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Mass Spectrometry ; Membrane Proteins ; analysis ; metabolism ; Membranes, Artificial ; Oxidation-Reduction ; Polyvinyls ; chemistry ; Proteome ; analysis ; Proteomics

Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons are primary sensory neurons that conduct neuronal impulses related to pain, touch and temperature senses. To comprehensively identify proteins of plasma membrane (PM) from small amount of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, a proteomics strategy that utilizes aqueous polymer two-phase partition in combination with differential velocity centrifugation was adopted to enrich the PM, followed by SDS-PAGE, CapLC-MS/MS and bioinformatics analysis. Western blot analysis showed that the concentration of PM in purified plasma membrane(PPM) was 2.3 times higher than that in crude plasma membrane(CPM), 15 times higher than that in whole tissue lysate (WTL). By searching against the rat IPI protein sequence database, a total of 729 non-redundant proteins were identified from the PM preparation, of which 547 had a gene ontology (GO) annotation indicating a cellular component, and 159 (21.8%) were unambiguously identified as PM proteins. A data set of plasma membrane proteins of DRG as well as a tool to study PM proteins were provided in a small amounts of sample.

Jingzhaotoxin-V(JZTX-V) isolated from the venom of the spider Chilobrachys jingzhao is a novel potent inhibitor that acts on tetrodotoxin-resistant and tetrodotoxin-sensitive sodium channels in adult rat dorsal root ganglion(DRG) neurons. It is a 29-residue polypeptide toxin including three disulfide bridges. To investigate the structure-function relationship of the toxin, a mutant of JZTX-V in which Arg20 was substituted by Ala, was synthesized by solid-phase chemistry method with Fmoc-protected amino acids on the PS3 automated peptide synthesizer. The synthetic linear peptide was then purified by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography and oxidatively refolded under the optimal conditions. The refolded product was analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry(MALDI-TOF MS) and electrophysiological experiments for its relative molecular weight and prohibitive activity of sodium channels respectively. The present findings show that the prohibitive effect of R20A-JZTX-V on TTX-S sodium channels in DRG neurons is almost the same as that of native JZTX-V, suggesting that Arg20 does not play any important role in inhibiting TTX-S sodium currents in DRG neurons. In contrast, the prohibitive level of R20A-JZTX-V on TTX-R sodium channels is reduced by at last 18.3 times, indicating that Arg20 is a key amino acid residue relative to the bioactivity of JZTX-V. It is presumed that the decrease in activity of R20A-JZTX-V is due to the changes of the property in the binding site in TTX-R sodium channels.
Amino Acid Substitution ; Animals ; Arginine ; genetics ; Ganglia, Spinal ; drug effects ; Mutagenesis, Site-Directed ; Mutant Proteins ; pharmacology ; Neurons ; drug effects ; Patch-Clamp Techniques ; Peptides ; chemistry ; genetics ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Sodium Channel Blockers ; pharmacology ; Sodium Channels ; drug effects ; Spider Venoms ; chemistry ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Spiders ; Tetrodotoxin ; pharmacology